Best Empire Waist Cocktail Dresses of 2026

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 26, 2026

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Empire waist cocktail dresses are a classic and timeless option for any formal occasion. This style of dress has a high waistline that sits just below the bust, creating a flattering and feminine silhouette. The flowing skirt of the dress falls gracefully to the knee or just above, making it a versatile choice for any body type. Empire waist cocktail dresses are available in a range of fabrics, from luxurious silk to comfortable jersey, and can be adorned with intricate beadwork or simple embellishments. Whether attending a wedding, gala, or cocktail party, an empire waist cocktail dress is sure to make a statement.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

PRETTYGARDEN Women's Short Formal Satin Dress 2023 Summer Sleeveless Mock Neck Tie Waist Cocktail Party Dresses Cover #TOP 1
PRETTYGARDEN Women's Short Formal Satin Dress 2023 Summer Sleeveless Mock Neck Tie Waist Cocktail Party Dresses
ftb score rating icon 9.8
KIRUNDO Women's Long Sleeve Ruched Maxi Dress Cover #TOP 2
KIRUNDO Women's Long Sleeve Ruched Maxi Dress
ftb score rating icon 9.7
IHOT Women’s Faux Wrap Bodycon Dress Cover #TOP 3
IHOT Women’s Faux Wrap Bodycon Dress
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Empire Waist Cocktail Dresses

PRETTYGARDEN Women's Short Formal Satin Dress 2023 Summer Sleeveless Mock Neck Tie Waist Cocktail Party Dresses

Black
Small
PRETTYGARDEN Women's Short Formal Satin Dress 2023 Summer Sleeveless Mock Neck Tie Waist Cocktail Party Dresses Cover
PRETTYGARDEN Women's Short Formal Satin Dress Summer Sleeveless Mock Neck Tie Waist Cocktail Party Dresses (Black,Small)

PRETTYGARDEN Satin Dress is a comfortable and lightweight sleeveless dress made of high-quality satin fabric, which is perfect for summer. The dress has a mock neck design that highlights the slender neck and a tie waist that accentuates the slimming waistline. The mini dress is perfect for highlighting long legs and modifying the body proportion in a flattering way. The dress is easy to dress up or down, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, from weddings to casual outings. With a variety of colors to choose from, this dress is a fashionable addition to any wardrobe.

What We Like
Quality material
Flattering fit
Beautiful colors
Comfortable and light
Received many compliments
#TOP 2

KIRUNDO Women's Long Sleeve Ruched Maxi Dress

K460
Black
Medium
KIRUNDO Women's Long Sleeve Ruched Maxi Dress Cover
KIRUNDO Women’s Cocktail Wedding Guest Maxi Dress Lightweight Long Sleeve Boat Neck Knit Ruched Slit Slimming Dresses(Black, Medium)

The KIRUNDO Ruched Maxi Dress offers a flattering fit with its stretchy knit blend fabric, making it comfortable for all-day wear. Its soft and breathable material adapts well to different body shapes, ensuring you look and feel great at any event. The dress features a stylish boat neck and a ruched wrap design that adds elegance, while the front slit enhances movement and style. With batwing long sleeves and an elastic empire waist, this dress keeps you cozy during cooler seasons without sacrificing fashion. Perfect for fall and winter occasions, this dress combines comfort and sophistication effortlessly.

What We Like
Stretchy knit fabric
Flattering ruched design
Boat neck style
Front slit for ease
Elastic empire waist

IHOT Women’s Faux Wrap Bodycon Dress

Black
Medium
IHOT Women’s Faux Wrap Bodycon Dress Cover
IHOT Wedding Guest Dress for Women Fall V Neck Bodycon Slit Club Night Out Dress Knee Length Faux Wrap Ruched Sheath Cocktail Formal Party Graduation Office Work Black Dresses with Sleeves Medium

The IHOT Bodycon Wrap Dress offers a comfortable fit thanks to its soft, stretchy fabric that feels great on your skin and looks elegant. Its flattering design features a deep V-neck and 3/4 puff sleeves that suit various bust sizes while adding a touch of sophistication. The ruched front detail helps conceal belly areas, giving you a slim and stylish silhouette that accentuates your curves. This versatile dress is easy to wear year-round; you can wear it alone on warm days or layer it with a cardigan or coat when it’s cooler. Pair it with your favorite heels and accessories to complete a chic and confident look.

What We Like
Soft, stretchy fabric
Flattering V-neck design
Ruching hides belly
3/4 puff sleeves
Year-round versatility

Talisea Navy Blue Plus Size Wrap Maxi Dress

PS57359-TNBL-18W
Navy Blue
18 Plus
Talisea Navy Blue Plus Size Wrap Maxi Dress Cover
Navy Blue Dress Women Plus Size Wedding Guest Cocktail Fall Semi Formal Floral Long Sleeve Wrap High Low Maxi Dresses

The Talisea Plus Size Wrap Dress offers a flattering design with its faux wrap V-neck and empire waist, helping you highlight your curves elegantly. Its long sleeves and built-in belt add style and shape, making it perfect for various body types. Made from lightweight chiffon featuring a delicate floral pattern, this dress keeps you comfortable and breathable through fall, spring, or winter events. Plus, it’s versatile enough to wear to weddings, cocktail parties, or holiday gatherings. With multiple color choices, you can easily find one that matches your personal style and feel confident at any occasion.

What We Like
Flattering wrap design
Lightweight chiffon fabric
Versatile for many occasions
Multiple color options
Inclusive sizing

IHOT Women's Black Ruched Bodycon Cocktail Dress

Black
Large
IHOT Women's Black Ruched Bodycon Cocktail Dress Cover
IHOT Wedding Guest Dress for Women Fall Deep V Neck 3/4 Puff Sleeve Ruched Bodycon Wrap Sheath Cocktail Party Date Night Club Formal Office Work Evening Dresses That Hide Belly Fat Black Large

The IHOT Ruched Bodycon Dress is designed with soft, stretchy fabric that feels comfortable and breathable, making it perfect for long wear without feeling heavy or see-through. Its deep V-neck and ruched wrap design help highlight your figure while providing a flattering fit that can hide belly areas. The 3/4 sleeves keep you warm but still allow easy movement, so you stay comfortable throughout your event. The tulip hem adds a stylish touch that elongates your legs and gives you a slimmer look, while a hidden back zipper makes it easy to put on and take off. This dress is a versatile choice for many occasions, from parties to work events.

What We Like
Soft, stretchy material
Figure-flattering ruched design
Comfortable 3/4 sleeves
Leg-lengthening tulip hem
Easy back zipper closure

OFEEFAN White Square Neck Mini Dress

A White
Small
OFEEFAN White Square Neck Mini Dress Cover
OFEEFAN White Dresses for Women Short Sleeve Mini Dress Summer Chiffon Cocktail Dress Square Neck S

The OFEEFAN Square Neck Dress features a stylish vintage square neckline and puff sleeves that add an elegant and fresh look, perfect for spring and summer. Its side zipper ensures a smooth, comfortable fit, making it easy for you to wear all day. The empire waist is designed to gently conceal your belly area, boosting your confidence. Additionally, the adjustable tie at the back lets you customize the fit, hugging your body comfortably while covering your bra straps. This dress balances style and comfort, making it a great choice for various occasions.

What We Like
Elegant square neckline
Puff sleeves for comfort
Side zipper for fit
Empire waist design
Adjustable back tie
#TOP 7

SHESTARR Plus Size Chiffon Maxi Dress

2253T700-Black-1XL
Black
X-Large Plus
SHESTARR Plus Size Chiffon Maxi Dress Cover
SHESTARR Women's Plus Size Dress Chiffon Long Sleeve Cowl Neck Wedding Guest Cocktail Party Maxi Dress Black

The SHESTARR Plus Size Maxi offers a comfortable fit with its soft, lightweight fabric, making it perfect for all-day wear. This dress embraces your curves with a flattering ruched design and an empire waist that enhances your silhouette. The chiffon long lantern sleeves add a touch of elegance while the smocked back and elastic cuffs ensure the dress stays comfortably in place without slipping. With a stylish cowl neck and a side slit, this dress combines comfort and sophistication, making it a great choice for weddings, parties, or any semi-formal occasion where you want to feel confident and look stunning.

What We Like
Soft lightweight fabric
Flattering ruched design
Smocked back with elastic cuffs
Elegant chiffon long sleeves
Comfortable cowl neck
#TOP 8

CLOCOR Pleated Midi V-Neck Dress

001-white
Large
CLOCOR Pleated Midi V-Neck Dress Cover
CLOCOR Midi Dresses for Women Fit and Flare A-Line Pleated Dress 3/4 Sleeve V Neck Church Cocktail Wedding Guest Dress White L

The CLOCOR Midi V-Neck Dress is made from a soft and stretchy blend of polyester and elastane, giving you a lightweight and comfortable fit all day long. Its flattering V-neck and wrap design add an elegant touch, making you look graceful wherever you wear it. The 3/4 sleeves offer modest coverage, perfect for more formal or church settings. The pleated, flowy A-line skirt creates a flattering silhouette that moves beautifully with you. This dress comes in multiple colors and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit and style for your occasion.

What We Like
Soft, stretchy fabric
Elegant V-neck wrap design
Modest 3/4 sleeves
Flattering pleated A-line skirt
Multiple sizes and colors
#TOP 9

Happy Sailed Black Midi Ruched Cocktail Dress

HSCW6121611-P2-L
Black
Large
Happy Sailed Black Midi Ruched Cocktail Dress Cover
Happy Sailed Midi Dresses for Women Date Night Long Sleeve Empire Ruched Waisted Slim Fit Irregular Hem Flared A-Line High Low Cocktail Party Dress Fashion 2025 Black Large

The Happy Sailed Midi Dress offers a comfortable and flattering fit thanks to its soft, stretchy fabric that keeps its shape without shrinking. Its stylish design features long sleeves, a crew neckline, and an asymmetrical ruched waist that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. You can easily pair this dress with jackets, heels, and accessories, making it versatile for many occasions. Plus, it's suitable for multiple seasons like spring, fall, and winter, so you can wear it to work, parties, or casual outings with ease and confidence.

What We Like
Soft stretchy fabric
Elegant ruched design
Versatile for seasons
Easy to accessorize
#TOP 10

EYWOL Black Formal Party Maxi Dress M-4XL

EYWOL
Black
Medium
EYWOL Black Formal Party Maxi Dress M-4XL Cover
Black Formal Party Maxi Dresses for Women, Cocktail Dress with Sheer Flowy Skirt, High Waist A-Line Embroidered Floral Corset Dress M-4XL

The EYWOL Black Maxi Dress offers a flattering high-waist design that helps hide your tummy, making it perfect for weddings and formal events, especially if you have curves. Its beautifully handcrafted floral embroidery on the corset bodice paired with a sheer, flowy skirt gives you a romantic and elegant look that shines in photos and on special nights out. The adjustable lace-up back ensures you stay comfortable all day, whether you're at a resort dinner or on the dance floor, with a fit that you can customize easily. Plus, this dress is versatile enough to wear for prom, cocktail parties, or even maternity photoshoots, making it a great choice for many occasions.

What We Like
Flattering high-waist design
Handcrafted floral embroidery
Adjustable lace-up back
Versatile for many occasions
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our empire waist cocktail dress research, we found 48 empire waist cocktail dress products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 22,216 customer reviews through our big data system to write the empire waist cocktail dresses list. We found that most customers choose empire waist cocktail dresses with an average price of $53.16.

The empire waist cocktail dresses are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of empire waist cocktail dresses, including PRETTYGARDEN, KIRUNDO, IHOT, Talisea, OFEEFAN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 7,351 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.